I loved Hybels’ message kicking off the Summit today. I’m seeking to avoid my standard inclination to write down everything that is said in the sessions, and instead am just going to hit one core point from each session. (We’ll see how that goes…)
Here’s my main take-away from Hybels: One of the most critical skills required in leadership also seems very basic. But don’t let how basic it is fool you—it is very hard. That skill is courage.
Whatever vision God gives you is going to put your courage to the test. Every time a leader seeks to move people from here to there, a certain percentage of people are going to resist going. Another group will have a wait and see attitude and will need persuasion over time. And another group knows how ugly it would be to move people half way and not be able to finish the job, and fear grips them.
Lots of incredible initiatives die for lack of courage. What do a lot of leaders do when they receive a vision from God? They abort the mission secretly. They kill it off without telling anyone about it—because fear grips them.
“God has sent millions life-enhancing visions to leaders all over the world, only to have those visions snuffed out because the potential for failure seemed to great.” “These deaths occur behind a veil of secrecy and silence” because the leaders don’t tell anyone of what God has put in their heart.
Don’t do this! Don’t let your vision die for lack of courage. Be willing to step out, take a risk, and take bold action to do the right thing.